Vendor It’s Electric! The EcoHitch and Tesla Relationship

[GarrickS]

@Dr. Smoke This template doesn't seem to quite make sense on a post-refresh bumper. It runs over the edge of the lower matte plastic up into the shiny visible pretty plastic. Did you cut all the way up there?

Does anyone have a picture of this hitch on a post-refresh bumper?

 

[GarrickS]

So this sucks. I've found a second issue. I'm most of the way through this install and I'm wondering if I should remove the hitch and bail out or not.

I removed the lower matte plastic from the actual bumper skin and loosely installed the bumper skin. I just wanted to check the fit before I start cutting plastic. I've found that the far outside edges of the hitch touch the inside of the shiny black plastic in the lower valance. From the outside, you can see the hitch poking out the plastic a bit. This is not good.

I can grind down the edges of the hitch, but I imagine Torklift won't like that.

 

[GarrickS]

The more I look at it, the more I don't like it. I'm bailing out of this install. I would not consider this hitch to be compatible with post-refresh cars.

 

[Torklift Central]

Hey GarrickS,

We apologize that you ran into some difficulty while installing your hitch. We have installed the EcoHitch on the Model S refresh without issue and have not seen this issue before while working with the refresh. I am glad you were able to speak with one of our tech support professionals this morning to work on a solution, please call Jordan back so we can continue to work with you if you have any questions: 800-246-8132.

 

[rolson1011]

I just took my car to Torklift this past weekend and had a great, professional experience with it all. You do, in fact have to cut into the shiny part of the bumper. Already used it with my bike rack yesterday and it works amazingly well, aside from reversing, and hearing the constant beep from the sensors. I would turn off the sound when in use.

 

[Xenoilphobe]

nice install!

 

[jiggy]

Is that the 2"?

 

[GarrickS]

Thanks for posting the pictures, @rolson1011. I believe your lower valance is pre-refresh? That little shelf along the bottom edge has the appearance of the ends rolling down under the car. On my car, that little shelf is wider, running almost the width of the car going all the way across.

To be clear, here are some pics I found. This is the pre-refresh: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14381600002_bbfc217643_h.jpg and the post-refresh style: http://www.teslacentral.com/sites/t...el-s-2016-white-rear-render.jpg?itok=9tuAZhdI

 

[rolson1011]

Yes, pre refresh, and its the 1 1/4" I only need it for bike rack and a single 3 seater Sea-Doo, which even my old Yamaha golf cart could tow with no problem.

 

[GarrickS]

So does anyone have photographic evidence of an ecohitch on a refresh car?

 

[Torklift Central]

GarrickS,

We understand your concern with installing the hitch. We actually had a Model S refresh in our shop today and was able to confirm fitment for an EcoHitch install. I attached photos to this post for you to take a look at. There is also a live video from today on our Facebook page of a partial install of the EcoHitch. In the installation, the only change is the placement of the opening for the EcoHitch which has moved a little to the right. It won’t effect the look of your car when the hitch is not in use and the receiver is removed. Our General Manager Jonny would like to give you a call to help alleviate any further concerns or questions that you still have about installing the EcoHitch on your refreshed Model S. If you would PM us your number, we’ll make sure he contacts you.

 

[GarrickS]

I got the hitch installed today, but I had to grind off some material off the pointy ends of the hitch. I used some red spray paint inside the bumper to find where it was touching the hitch. That worked out well. In the last test I could see that it was no longer touching and I finished it off with a bit black paint. The black paint matches perfectly... noone would ever know it had minor surgery.

Static pics... Hitch is bolted on

Google photo album with pics and video. I think the world can see this. Let me know if there are problems. https://goo.gl/photos/KdnjoWtyRjjQySJW6

The last problem is the big hole you have to cut in the bottom of the plastic. The template doesn't work on refresh bumpers. I cut the smallest possible hole needed to clear the bolt. However, now I can't get through my driveway with the hitch installed!

Side note, I'm a god damn pro at removing and installing that bumper skin now! I could probably do the whole job in 45 minutes now.

 

[Torklift Central]

GarrickS,

We’re happy to hear that the EcoHitch has been successfully installed on your Model S and you’re now a pro bumper remover. We’ll make sure to send your photos to our engineering team to see what adjustments can be made to the design. The template that came with the EcoHitch will still work with the refresh bumper. As we said earlier and show in a photo, the cutout is the same it just moves to the right slightly. Let us know if you have any further questions, we’re happy to help! If you are willing, would you mind PMing me a shipping address for you? I have something I would like to send you.

 

[Porfiry]

Now that the rear view camera is used by the Enhanced Autopilot, I wonder if hitch mounted accessories on the S will confuse or otherwise impair the autopilot system.

 

[Xenoilphobe]

Same issue on the X right?

 

[Porfiry]

Same issue on the X right?

The hitch on the X is installed by Tesla and so there's an expectation that they should support it. On the S there's no reason to expect them to support aftermarket modifications. I realize there's a common software platform, but things aren't necessarily calibrated identically and on the S they may presume an unobstructed view from the rear view camera.

 

[GarrickS]

I can't imagine full autonomy is going to work on either car if the rear camera is obstructed.

 

[Xenoilphobe]

Frankly you shouldn't be using FA when towing...

 

[acarlos1000]

@Torklift Central Do you have any updates on the new Magnetic Cover that will work on the Model S Refresh?

 

[Torklift Central]

Hey @acarlos1000! Thanks for the question, we have finished updating the Undercover for the refresh Model S and it will fit, it's just not currently updated on the website. If you'd like to order, here is the page: Torklift Central | Tesla Undercover 2012-2015 Model S X7223 - Tesla Accessories - Tesla - Find Your EcoHitch - RVing and Towing.